Aldeburgh, Suffolk
| Aldeburgh | |
|---|---|
 The Moot Hall |
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 Aldeburgh
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| Aldeburgh shown within Suffolk | |
| Population | 2,466 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TM463566 |
| Civil parish |
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| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ALDEBURGH |
| Postcode district | IP15 |
| Dialling code | 01728 |
| Police | Suffolk |
| Fire | Suffolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
Aldeburgh (/ˈɔːlbrə/ AWL-brə) is a coastal town in the English county of Suffolk. Located on the North Sea coast to the north of the River Alde, the town is notable for having been the home of composer Benjamin Britten and as the centre of the international Aldeburgh Festival of arts at nearby Snape Maltings founded by him in 1948. It remains an artistic and literary centre with an annual Poetry Festival and several food festivals as well as other cultural events. It is a former Tudor port and was granted borough status in 1529 by Henry VIII. Its historic buildings include a 16th-century moot hall and a Napoleonic-era Martello Tower.
Second homes make up roughly a third of the town's residential property. The town is a tourist destination with visitors attracted by its Blue Flag shingle beach and fisherman huts, where fresh fish are sold daily, and Aldeburgh Yacht Club as well as cultural attractions. Two family-run fish and chip shops are cited as among the best in the UK.
Alde Burgh means "old fort" although this structure, along with much of the Tudor town, has now been lost to the sea. In the 16th century, Aldeburgh was a leading port, and had a flourishing ship-building industry. Sir Francis Drake's Greyhound and Pelican (later renamed the Golden Hind) were both built in Aldeburgh. The flagship of the Virginia Company, the Sea Venture is believed to have been built here in 1608. Aldeburgh's importance as a port declined as the River Alde silted up and larger ships could no longer berth. It survived mainly as a fishing village until the 19th century, when it also became a seaside resort. Much of its distinctive and whimsical architecture derives from that period. The river is now home to a yacht club and a sailing club.
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